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CNN Live At Daybreak

Kobe Bryant's Big Court Date

Aired August 07, 2003 - 05:35   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: More now on Kobe Bryant's big court date. The NBA star has faced a judge for the first time in the sexual assault case against him.
CNN's Kimberly Osias has more from the courthouse in Eagle, Colorado.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's definitely a different feel now, the calm after the storm. Earlier, hundreds were gathered outside the courthouse to watch the proceedings on two wide screen TVs.

Inside the courtroom, packed to the gills, 70 seats in the gallery filled, including 12 in the jury box, all to watch Kobe Bryant make his first appearance, which was brief and to the point.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OSIAS (voice-over): Kobe Bryant waived his legal right to a speedy preliminary hearing as well as the right to hear charges against him. In fact, not much was said from Bryant at all during this first court appearance.

JUDGE FREDERICK GANNETT: Mr. Bryant, you're entitled to a hearing and you have requested a hearing. The rule requires that if you request, that hearing be held within 30 days. Any objection to that being waived?

KOBE BRYANT: No, sir.

OSIAS: It will be later, October 9, when the public may see a clear picture.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: It will be the first real opportunity to evaluate the strength of the case against Kobe Bryant.

OSIAS: Arriving in a three car caravan, Kobe Bryant entered the Eagle County courthouse flanked by his attorneys and private security. His wife, who is publicly supporting him, was not with him. During the seven minute proceeding, Judge Gannett says he wants a "fair trial for all parties." To that end, the judge assigned a special investigator, after the defense filed motions that the prosecution made some improper comments.

GANNETT: I am concerned with some of the reports that I have seen in the press. They appear to me to address issues that are not generally available to the public.

TOOBIN: This is an opportunity for the defense to look behind closed doors at the prosecution. Nothing may come of it, but it's a very good opportunity that the defense is happy to have.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

OSIAS: Bryant didn't stay in town for long, about an hour overall, flying in and out by private plane.

Kimberly Osias, CNN, Eagle County, Colorado -- back to you, Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thanks a lot, Kimberly.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired August 7, 2003 - 05:35   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: More now on Kobe Bryant's big court date. The NBA star has faced a judge for the first time in the sexual assault case against him.
CNN's Kimberly Osias has more from the courthouse in Eagle, Colorado.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's definitely a different feel now, the calm after the storm. Earlier, hundreds were gathered outside the courthouse to watch the proceedings on two wide screen TVs.

Inside the courtroom, packed to the gills, 70 seats in the gallery filled, including 12 in the jury box, all to watch Kobe Bryant make his first appearance, which was brief and to the point.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OSIAS (voice-over): Kobe Bryant waived his legal right to a speedy preliminary hearing as well as the right to hear charges against him. In fact, not much was said from Bryant at all during this first court appearance.

JUDGE FREDERICK GANNETT: Mr. Bryant, you're entitled to a hearing and you have requested a hearing. The rule requires that if you request, that hearing be held within 30 days. Any objection to that being waived?

KOBE BRYANT: No, sir.

OSIAS: It will be later, October 9, when the public may see a clear picture.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: It will be the first real opportunity to evaluate the strength of the case against Kobe Bryant.

OSIAS: Arriving in a three car caravan, Kobe Bryant entered the Eagle County courthouse flanked by his attorneys and private security. His wife, who is publicly supporting him, was not with him. During the seven minute proceeding, Judge Gannett says he wants a "fair trial for all parties." To that end, the judge assigned a special investigator, after the defense filed motions that the prosecution made some improper comments.

GANNETT: I am concerned with some of the reports that I have seen in the press. They appear to me to address issues that are not generally available to the public.

TOOBIN: This is an opportunity for the defense to look behind closed doors at the prosecution. Nothing may come of it, but it's a very good opportunity that the defense is happy to have.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

OSIAS: Bryant didn't stay in town for long, about an hour overall, flying in and out by private plane.

Kimberly Osias, CNN, Eagle County, Colorado -- back to you, Carol.

COSTELLO: All right, thanks a lot, Kimberly.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com